Multiple Myeloma Blog |
| Still A Few Bad Nights As I Continue To Recover Quickly... Posted: 26 Aug 2011 07:21 AM PDT  Here a a shot of me and Nature Coast Multiple Myeloma Support Group Leader Dianne Terry. Dianne is a tireless caregiver to her husband, Herb. This was one of my first public appearances since returning home from my auto SCT. As you can see, I'm "hairless," a bit gaunt and so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. But you can tell I was happy to be back together with my myeloma friends again. I was even wearing a burgandy shirt, writst band and IMF ball cap. What a team player! In three weeks I will be taking my first trip post-transplant. Pattie and I will be flying up-north to speak to myeloma support groups in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and Stillwater, Minnesota. I'm excited about the trip, but a bit concerned our travel itinerary is a bit over scheduled. I felt that way, even before last night. Following three positive days where I felt pretty good, last night was a brutal reminder of what I experienced last month. I woke up around 3 am with my stomach in knots. I could literally hear and feel the stomach acid shooting out into my gut! I was able to avoid throwing-up by taking a full dose of Ativan I had left over from my earlier days of nearly constant nausea. YUCK! I lost about an hours sleep, but thanks to the Ativan--and a few trips to the toilet--I was able to fall asleep in our guest bedroom, propped-up like one of those actors in the antacid commercials who try to sleep among piles of blankets and pillows. Standing-up would have been even better--if I were a horse! I don't know about you, but I find it difficult to sleep sitting up. But I must admit the drugs help... In the grand scheme of things, last night was only a small blip on the radar screen. The hardest part was dealing with the memories of my inpatient transplant experience, which all came flooding back like the waves of nausea I was experiencing last night--and experienced back then. What selective memories we have! I had already forgotten what that felt like. And I will tell you this: I don't want to feel like that again! It's unclear what triggered my gastric episode. I do know that last night was the second night where I hadn't taken any medication prior to my evening meal. I won't make that mistake again tonight! I woke-up feeling a bit rough. But a light breakfast and quick walk with our dog and I'm back on track. And maybe a short nap later isn't a bad idea. All in all, it's hard to complain. I'm just glad the sun is up--and that I'm around to see it! Feel good and keep smiling! Pat  |
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